First start already at the Farmers, Vijay Singh eager to compete again, Charley Hull launching her own YouTube channel soon. The Back Nine.
As expected: Brooks Koepka has officially opted out of the 2026 LIV Golf season starting February 7 in Riyadh; the five-time major winner remains connected to the rival circuit but needs more family time. This was reportedly agreed upon amicably, according to LIV CEO Scott McNeil. But Koepka is a competitor who thrives and heats up only in high-level contests, something that LIV hasn’t fully provided. He initially joined LIV in 2022 primarily due to injury concerns threatening his career end, aiming to secure a solid retirement fund. Given that, his decision to skip the contractually required final season is not surprising, though questions arise about possible buyouts or partial return of guaranteed pay. He remains owner of LIV team Smash GC, with Talor Gooch as the new captain.
Speculations are rife about where Koepka will next compete. DP World Tour membership would be immediate—possibly with a penalty—or PGA Tour, where he would have to serve a one-year suspension after his last LIV appearance, following Jay Monahan’s significantly softened lifetime bans. Why hold grudges when every LIV returnee, especially a prominent one, benefits the stronger tour? ESPN’s Mark Schlabach reported Koepka formally applied last Friday to reactivate his PGA Tour membership, ending his hiatus since 2022.
Any suspension would end in August, coinciding with the close of the 2026 season at the Tour Championship August 27–30. Koepka would be eligible for 2027 under the PGA Tour’s new condensed schedule featuring nearly two dozen $20 million events with limited top-tier fields—an ideal comeback timing. PGA Tour Enterprises investors would welcome this marquee name.
Even Jon Rahm recently expressed in the \”Subpar\” podcast, \”He may need some time, but I think he’ll return to the PGA Tour. He’ll likely play at least the minimum, why not the big events he likes? If he can qualify or enter top tournaments, he’ll play those.\” Moreover, the Tiger Woods-led competition committee, along with the board and player directors, could grant Koepka special consideration, following Rory McIlroy’s endorsement for reinstatement.
Update: It happened just like that. Monday evening local time, news spread rapidly that Koepka is immediately eligible for the PGA Tour and will tee off at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines in late January. His participation at the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona is also confirmed.
The change was enabled by the \”Returning Member Program,\” created last Thursday, allowing select LIV players to regain PGA Tour membership without suspension. Koepka’s recent sporting merits, especially his 2023 PGA Championship victory, were key factors.
The PGA Tour statement explains the special rule applies to major and Players winners from the past three years, ending February 2. CEO Brian Rolapp called it \”a one-time, clearly defined opportunity with no precedent for future cases.\” This may concern Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cam Smith and stir unease